Demonstrating his firm commitment to enforcement and border security, Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno led the inspection of a consolidated shipment found to contain illegal drugs at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on July 17, 2025.

The BOC, acting on credible intelligence, issued an Alert Order on a 1×40-ft container declared as balikbayan boxes. A 100% inspection uncovered 110.24 kg of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) concealed within four (4) boxes, with an estimated value of PHP 749.63 million.

Samples were immediately extracted and submitted to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for confirmatory testing. Laboratory results later confirmed that the recovered substances were indeed methamphetamine hydrochloride.

The seized contraband will be turned over to PDEA for further investigation, in relation to violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and R.A. No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has consistently underscored the importance of strengthening border protection measures to prevent the entry of illicit drugs into the country. This operation is aligned with the administration’s vision for a secure and safer Philippines, free from the dangers and health risks caused by narcotics.

MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba commended the vigilance and cooperation among enforcement units, noting that the success of this operation reflects the effectiveness of BOC’s strengthened profiling measures and inter-agency coordination.

Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized that the BOC will remain unyielding in its campaign against drug smuggling, saying: “We will not allow criminal elements to exploit balikbayan privileges and tarnish the trust of our overseas Filipinos. This seizure underscores our commitment to protecting the country and its people.”